State Secrets Drones, Deterrence, and Overplaying Putin’s Hand: with Gen. David Petraeus
Sep 16, 2025
Former CIA Director and General David Petraeus weighs in on the recent Russian drone incursions, asserting they test NATO's resolve. He highlights Ukraine's remarkable drone innovations, with thousands of daily missions transforming the battlefield. Petraeus also addresses Russia's own advancements and the strategic implications of these developments. The discussion spotlights NATO's coordinated responses and European leaders' urgency for military support and sanctions, showcasing the evolving landscape of modern warfare.
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Deliberate Drone Test Of NATO Resolve
- The 19–25 drone incursion into Poland was deliberate and tactically sophisticated, not an accident.
- NATO's rapid multi-country air response showed strong operational readiness but needs larger strategic follow-through.
Convert Military Response Into Political Pressure
- Push Congress and European leaders to convert tactical responses into broader sanctions and financial support packages.
- Use frozen Russian assets as collateral to fund Ukraine now while preserving legal and financial norms.
Escalation Undermines Russia’s Negotiating Position
- Russia has overplayed its hand by escalating drone and missile strikes, signaling it isn't serious about a negotiated peace.
- The scale of attacks clarifies Putin's maximalist aims and reduces prospects for a genuine ceasefire.
